Iranian carpets, one of the main symbols of Iran's culture and art, have faced a severe decline in global markets in recent years. This decline is so significant that exports of this product have dropped from $2 billion in 1994 to $50 million in 2022. According to domestic media, Hossein Salah Varzi, the head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, states that the negative impact of the country's incorrect currency policies on the export of non-oil goods, including Iranian handwoven carpets, has led to a 98% decrease in exports of this product in 2022 compared to 1994. The analytical news site Ensaf also reported that in the 2000s, carpet exports were one of the key pillars of the country's foreign currency supply, but after 2012, Iranian carpet exports continuously declined, reaching their lowest level in 2015, when Iran exported only $290 million worth of carpets. While the average carpet export from 2007 to 2017 was around $416 million, since 2019, carpet exports have consistently been below $73 million, reaching their lowest figure of $50.7 million last year. According to statistics from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, a significant portion of the 2 million jobs in the handwoven carpet sector across the country consists of weavers, many of whom have migrated to the outskirts of cities or other countries during the recession. Fathollah Tosali, a member of the Economic Commission of the Parliament, recently stated that Iranian carpets no longer have a caretaker, which is why our weavers are being attracted to Turkey and other neighboring countries. In previous years, Germany, the United States, Japan, and the UAE were the main customers of Iranian carpets. Warning from the head of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce: Currency imbalance will increase to $17 billion. A blow to the roots of Iranian carpets; experts say domestic laws are more damaging than sanctions. A Chamber of Commerce member: The export figure for carpets is 'embarrassing.'
Iranian Carpets from Heaven to Earth; 98% Decrease in Exports and Migration of Weavers
Iranian carpet exports have plummeted by 98% from $2 billion in 1994 to $50 million in 2022 due to poor currency policies and economic mismanagement. This decline has led to significant migration of weavers, with many seeking opportunities abroad. The situation highlights the fragility of a once-thriving industry that is now struggling to survive.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iranian carpet exports have drastically fallen from $2 billion in 1994 to just $50 million in 2022 due to poor currency policies and economic mismanagement. This decline has caused many weavers to migrate in search of better opportunities.
- Carpet exports dropped by 98% from 1994 to 2022.
- Many weavers have left the industry or migrated abroad due to economic conditions.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iranian carpets are a traditional craft with deep cultural significance, historically contributing to the economy. Economic mismanagement has severely impacted this sector.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%